U.S. patent number 8,939,925 [Application Number 13/370,512] was granted by the patent office on 2015-01-27 for tightening system for an orthopedic article.
This patent grant is currently assigned to OSSUR HF. The grantee listed for this patent is Nina Bakken, Janaki Ram-srinivasaRao Chetlapalli, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Bjorn Omarsson. Invention is credited to Nina Bakken, Janaki Ram-srinivasaRao Chetlapalli, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Bjorn Omarsson.
United States Patent |
8,939,925 |
Ingimundarson , et
al. |
January 27, 2015 |
Tightening system for an orthopedic article
Abstract
A tightening system and method for operating the same in an
article for a wearer includes first and second members arranged for
being connected at first ends, and separated by a distance at
second ends. A tension element connects the first and second
members. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the first member and
coupled to the tension element. The tensioning mechanism includes a
housing and a retractable and extendable line arranged to be
extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing
upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of
the tension element to thereby draw the first and second members
closer to one another by reducing the distance therebetween.
Inventors: |
Ingimundarson; Arni Thor
(Ladera Ranch, CA), Chetlapalli; Janaki Ram-srinivasaRao
(Irvine, CA), Omarsson; Bjorn (Reykjavik, IS),
Bakken; Nina (Oslo, NO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ingimundarson; Arni Thor
Chetlapalli; Janaki Ram-srinivasaRao
Omarsson; Bjorn
Bakken; Nina |
Ladera Ranch
Irvine
Reykjavik
Oslo |
CA
CA
N/A
N/A |
US
US
IS
NO |
|
|
Assignee: |
OSSUR HF (Reykjavik,
IS)
|
Family
ID: |
45688294 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/370,512 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120204381 A1 |
Aug 16, 2012 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61441588 |
Feb 10, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/19;
128/876 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
5/028 (20130101); A41F 1/04 (20130101); Y10T
24/2164 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
5/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;602/5,16,19
;24/71.1,58SK,68SK ;128/876,100.1,101.1 ;224/162-163 |
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Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion issued in
PCT/2012/024619, May 16, 2012. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Bianco; Patricia
Assistant Examiner: Petrik; Kari
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Workman Nydegger
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
provisional application No. 61/441,588, filed on Feb. 10, 2011, the
entirety of which is incorporated by reference.
This application incorporates by reference the entirety of the
following documents: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/713,268,
filed on Feb. 26, 2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/938,593, filed on Nov. 3, 2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/466,597, filed on May 15, 2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,597,675,
granted on Oct. 6, 2009.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A lumbar support, comprising: a first member arranged as a belt
segment and defining first and second ends, the first member being
elongate and flexible; a second member arranged as a belt segment
and defining first and second ends, the first ends of the first and
second members being spaced apart by a variable distance, the
second member being elongate and flexible; a closure device
spanning the variable distance, the closure device including a
plurality of pulleys located on opposed sides of the first ends of
the first and second members; at least one tension element
connecting the first and second members, a first end portion of the
at least one tension element connecting to the plurality of
pulleys; a tensioning mechanism mounted on the first member and
coupled to a second end portion of the at least one tension
element, the tensioning mechanism including a housing and a
retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from the
housing and automatically retract to the housing upon release of
the line to permit one-way incremental winding of the at least one
tension element to thereby draw the first and second members closer
to one another by reducing said variable distance as the first end
portion of the at least one tension element runs through the
plurality of pulleys.
2. The lumbar support according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning
mechanism has a retractable device including a spring biased
rotatable spool upon which the line is wound.
3. The lumbar support according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning
mechanism has a retractable device including a first rotatable
spool upon which the line is wound, and a second rotatable spool
upon which the at least one tension element is wound, the first and
second spools rotatable in opposing directions and arranged along
separate axes.
4. The lumbar support according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning
mechanism has a retractable device including a release mechanism
permitting unwinding of the at least one tension element through
the plurality of pulleys without tensioning the line.
5. The lumbar support according to claim 1, further comprising a
handle secured to a first end of the line and securable over the
first member.
6. The lumbar support according to claim 5, wherein the handle
extends a predetermined distance away from the housing when the
line is fully retracted into the housing.
7. The lumbar support according to claim 1, further comprising a
dosage meter connected to the tensioning mechanism, the dosage
meter indicating a tension level in the at least one tension
element.
8. The lumbar support according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning
mechanism is selectively mountable over an outer surface of the
first member at a plurality of locations.
9. The lumbar support according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning
mechanism includes a first gear device having a first gear and a
spring biased first spool secured to a second end of the line and
engaging the first gear and rotatable therewith about a first axis,
the first spool being lockingly rotatable with the first gear in a
first rotational direction, and the first spool being freely
rotatable relative to the first gear in a second rotational
direction.
10. The lumbar support according to claim 9, wherein the tensioning
mechanism further includes a second gear device having a second
spool secured to a second gear and rotatable therewith about a
second axis spaced away from the first axis, the second gear
engaging the first gear in the first rotatable direction, the first
and second gears remaining stationary when the first spool rotates
in the second rotational direction.
11. The lumbar support according to claim 10, wherein the
tensioning mechanism further includes a release mechanism connected
to the first gear device and arranged to disengage the first gear
device from the second gear device.
12. The lumbar support according to claim 1, further comprising an
intermediate member upon which the first end of at least one of the
first and second members slides.
13. The lumbar support according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second members are elongate and flexible.
14. The lumbar support according to claim 13, wherein the first and
second members releasably secure to one another at their second
ends to define a belt with the closure device and the at least one
tension element.
15. A tightening system comprising: at least one tension element; a
tensioning mechanism coupled to the at least one tension element,
the tensioning mechanism including a housing and a retractable
device having a retractable and extendable line arranged to be
extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing
upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of
the at least one tension element; wherein the retractable device
includes a release mechanism permitting unwinding of the at least
one tension element from the tensioning mechanism; wherein the
tensioning mechanism includes a first gear device having a first
gear and a spring biased first spool secured to a second end of the
line and engaging the first gear and rotatable therewith about a
first axis, the first spool being lockingly rotatable with the
first gear in a first rotational direction, and the first spool
being freely rotatable relative to the first gear in a second
rotational direction; wherein the tensioning mechanism further
includes a second gear device having a second spool secured to a
second gear and rotatable therewith about a second axis spaced away
from the first axis, the second gear engaging the first gear in the
first rotatable direction, the first and second gears remaining
stationary when the first spool rotates in the second rotational
direction.
16. The tightening system according to claim 15, further comprising
a handle secured to a first end of the line, the handle preventing
the first end of the line from being retracted into the
housing.
17. The tightening system according to claim 16, wherein the handle
extends a predetermined distance away from the housing when the
line is fully retracted into the housing.
Description
FIELD OF ART
Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to tightening systems
that incrementally adjust tension elements used alone or in
combination in any variety of articles including orthopedics,
prosthetics, bags, belts, sporting wear, footwear, clothing or
other suitable articles.
BACKGROUND
There are numerous types of tightening systems for tensioning
tension elements in or in combination with certain articles.
Despite these known systems, there still exists a need for
improving such systems.
For example, in the field of orthopedics, it is often desirable
that an orthopedic article, such as in supports, braces, devices
and other forms of wearable orthopedic items, is close-fitting in
order to secure to and provide support for the wearer. As with many
articles, orthopedic articles often rely on straps looped through
buckles in order to secure to the wearer. Wearers may find
difficultly in tightening such straps or other tension elements,
such as laces or cords, used to secure these articles on the body
due to friction between the strap and buckle or other tension
elements, the location of such straps, a lack of mechanical
advantage, or the inability to make minor adjustments in the
tensioning without having to completely readjust the strap.
Some wearers may be infirm and lack the necessary strength to
adequately secure the article onto their body. For example,
patients with arthritic hands may lack the dexterity to securely
grasp straps or buckles, and may also be unable to sufficiently
pull the strap through buckles enough to firmly retain the article
on the wearer. Various forms of tightening systems, for example
hook and loop, buckles, and lacing, have been used to facilitate
the closure and retention of known articles on the wearer. However,
many of these known systems fail to permit adequate easy adjustment
or the ability to slightly adjust the tightening of the article
which leads to insufficient or excessive compression on the
wearer.
In the example of an article in the form of a lumbar support, some
known systems include the pulling of laces through a series of
guide elements, for example pulleys, posts, rings or eyelets, so as
to create a mechanical advantage. Yet many of these known systems
suffer from the drawback of friction in the guide elements when the
tensioning elements are adjusted. These systems are often limited
in their mechanical advantage due to spacing and size constraints
of the lumbar support itself.
With these known tightening systems in lumbar supports, multiple
tension elements may be employed or require a relatively long
distance to pull. This results in a significantly elongate tension
element being wrapped about the torso of the wearer and affixed to
the lumbar support. For those having reduced mobility or poor
strength, such long travel required to properly tension the lumbar
support may prove cumbersome. This also may result in the
undesirable appearance of multiple tension elements being located
on the surface of the lumbar support, which may also catch on items
thereby causing safety concerns for the wearer of the support.
Although discussed in connection with orthopedic articles, many of
the aforementioned issues with tightening systems may exist in
applications outside of orthopedics as well, including but not
limited to sporting wear, backpacks, belts, footwear, clothing or
other suitable articles.
SUMMARY
The shortcomings in the prior art are overcome by the various
tensioning system embodiments described herein. In accordance with
this disclosure, the tightening system does not require the tension
element to be pulled significantly far from a closure device, and
can be selectively located about the surface of an article to
provide an optimal location for the wearer. The embodiments of the
tightening system can increase the mechanical advantage of a
closure device, thereby further making it easier for a wearer to
pull the tension element. Alternatively, the tightening systems may
be employed without a closure device, of types known in the prior
art and discussed herein. Moreover, the tightening system has a
simple handle that can be selectively pulled in either short or
long lengths according to the strength of the wearer in order to
tighten the tightening system, with the option of releasing the
handle at any point once the optimal tension is achieved which
avoids the need from much manual dexterity. Additional means may be
provided to finely adjust the tension element.
In accordance with one embodiment, the tightening system is for an
article for a wearer, which may include any number of applications
including orthopedics, sporting wear, footwear, clothing or other
suitable articles. The tightening system includes a first member
defining first and second ends, and a second member defining first
and second ends. The first ends of the first and second members are
spaced apart by a distance. A closure device connects the first and
second members and includes a tension element. A tensioning
mechanism is mounted on the first member and coupled to the closure
device. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and a
retractable device having a retractable and extendable line
arranged to be extended from the housing and automatically
retracting to the housing upon release of the line to permit
one-way incremental winding of the tension element to thereby draw
the first and second members closer to one another by reducing the
distance therebetween.
According to one variation, the retractable device includes a
spring biased rotatable spool upon which the line is wound, a first
rotatable spool upon which the line is wound, and a second
rotatable spool upon which the tension element is wound. The first
and second spools are rotatable in opposing directions. The
retractable device may also have a release mechanism permitting
unwinding of the tension element. A dosage meter may be connected
to the tensioning mechanism, and indicate a tension level in the
closure device.
In a variation, the tensioning mechanism may include a first gear
device having a spring biased first spool secured to a second end
of the line, and a first gear that engages the first spool and is
rotatable therewith about a first axis. The first spool is
lockingly rotatable with the first gear in a first rotational
direction, and the first spool is freely rotatable relative to the
first gear in a second rotational direction.
The tensioning mechanism may further include a second gear device
having a second spool secured to a second gear and which are
rotatable together about a second axis. The second gear device
engages the first gear device in the first rotatable direction, and
the first and second gears of the respective devices remain
stationary when the first spool rotates in the second rotational
direction. The tensioning mechanism further includes a release
mechanism connected to the first gear device and is arranged to
disengage the first gear device from the second gear device 3.
The tensioning mechanism preferably includes a handle secured to a
first end of the line. The handle may be used to prevent the first
end of the line from being fully retracted into the housing.
Alternatively, at least part of the handle may be received by the
housing or may attach to the housing.
The tensioning mechanism is selectively mountable over an outer
surface of the first member at a plurality of locations. Another
tensioning mechanism may be mounted onto the second member likewise
at a plurality of locations.
The tightening system may have an intermediate member upon which
the first end of at least one of the first and second members
slides. The first and second members may be elongate and flexible,
and releasably secure to one another at their second ends to define
a belt or a strap.
In accordance with another embodiment, the tightening system has a
rotary tensioning unit connected to the tensioning mechanism and
permits fine tuning in tension of the tensioning mechanism in
supplement to that obtained by pulling the handle and the line. The
rotary tensioning unit is selectively engageable with the
tensioning mechanism so as to be operative only when it is desired
to supplement the tensioning obtained by the tensioning mechanism
itself. The rotary tensioning unit may be spring loaded so as to
only require small turning actions to provide additional tension in
the tension element, rather than long turns of the rotary
tensioning unit.
According to another embodiment for a tightening system, the
tightening system includes a first member defining first and second
ends, and a second member defining first and second ends. The first
ends of the first and second members are spaced apart by a
distance. A closure device connects the first and second members
and includes a tension element. A rotary tightening device is
mounted on the first member and engages the tension element. The
rotary tightening device is arranged to permit one-way incremental
winding of the tension element to thereby draw the first and second
members closer to one another by reducing the distance.
The embodiment may include a handle extending from the rotary
tightening device and coupled to the at least one tension element.
The rotary tightening device is located between the handle and the
first end of the first member. The handle is arranged to pull the
at least one tension element so as to wind the tension element
about the rotary tightening device, which tightens the tension
element without adjusting the tension in the tension element
between the handle and the rotary tightening device. The handle may
be selectively positionable along an outer surface of the first
member and relative to the rotary tensioning device.
In a method for tightening an article, the article has a first
member defining first and second ends, a second member defining
first and second ends such that the first ends of the first and
second members are spaced apart by a distance, a closure device
including a tension element and connecting the first and second
members, and a tensioning mechanism mounted on the first member and
coupled to the closure device. The tensioning mechanism includes a
retractable and extendable line. The method includes the steps of:
securing the first and second members at their second ends; pulling
the line away from the housing to incrementally tighten the tension
element and draw the first and second members closer to one another
by reducing the distance; and releasing the line so as to retract
to the housing without adjusting tension in the tension element.
The method may further include the step of releasing tension in the
tension element by releasing the tensioning mechanism from the
tension element.
The numerous other advantages, features and functions of
embodiments of the tightening system will become readily apparent
and better understood in view of the following description and
accompanying drawings. The following description is not intended to
limit the scope of the tightening system, but instead merely
provides exemplary embodiments for ease of understanding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a tightening system in an orthopedic
article defining a lumbar support.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the operation of the tensioning
mechanism on the lumbar support according to FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a portion of the dosage meter
depicted in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of a tightening
system in an orthopedic article of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of a tightening
system in an orthopedic article of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of a tightening
system in an orthopedic article of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a tensioning
mechanism.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the tensioning mechanism of FIG.
7 with a line drawn away therefrom.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the tensioning mechanism of FIG.
7 with retraction of the line.
FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the tensioning mechanism of
FIG. 7 with disengagement of the tension element.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a variation of the embodiment
of FIG. 7 with a rotary tightening device.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a
tensioning mechanism with a rotary tightening device connecting to
a line with a handle.
FIG. 13 is a sectional side view showing another embodiment of a
tensioning mechanism.
FIG. 14 is a sectional side view showing another embodiment of a
tensioning mechanism.
FIG. 15 is a sectional side view showing another embodiment of a
tensioning mechanism.
In the various figures, similar elements are provided with similar
reference numbers. It should be noted that the drawing figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale, or proportion, but instead are
drawn to provide a better understanding of the components thereof,
and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but rather provide
exemplary illustrations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
While the tightening systems described herein may be used in a
variety of articles, including orthopedics, prosthetics, harnesses,
packs, sporting wear, footwear, clothing or other suitable
articles, FIG. 1 depicts the tightening system in an orthopedic
article 10. The exemplary orthopedic article is a lumbar support of
a type more specifically described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/713,268.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lumbar support 10 includes an
intermediate member 70, such as a plate, first and second members
12, 14, in the exemplary form of elongate belt segments combining
to form a belt, having first end portions 13, 15, and second end
portions 17, 19. The first end portions 13, 15 are spaced apart by
a variable distance 72, and the second end portions 17, 19 are
securable to one another so as to form a belt. A closure device 20
couples the first end portions of the first and second members to
the intermediate member 70. The closure device 20 is slidably
mounted to the intermediate member 70 and arranged to move the
first and second members 12, 14 relative to the intermediate member
70 between first and second linear directions, and adjust the
length of the distance 72.
In a preferred embodiment, the closure device 20 includes a series
of pulleys or other friction reducing means such as the type
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/713,268. The
closure device 20 preferably has a mechanical advantage of a
four-to-one ratio, but can also be provided in variations of this
preferred ratio.
The closure device 20 includes first and second tension elements
16, 18 having second ends connected to the series of pulleys. The
first and second tension elements 16, 18 are arranged to move the
first and second members 12, 14 relative to the intermediate member
70. The tension elements may be formed from any type of line, cord,
strap, rope, string, wire, cable or other suitable element used to
allow the user to apply tension.
A tensioning mechanism 22, 24 is mounted on the first and second
members 12, 14, and connects to the closure device 20. The
tensioning mechanism 22, 24 includes a housing 76 and a retractable
device having a retractable and extendable line 26, 28.
As shown in FIG. 2, the line 28 is arranged to be extended from the
housing 76 and automatically retracted to the housing 76 upon
release of the line 28 to permit one-way incremental winding of the
tension element 18 to thereby draw the first and second members 12,
14 closer to one another by reducing the distance 72.
The line may be formed from any type of strap, cord, rope, string,
wire, cable or other suitable element used to allow the user to
apply tension and retract into the housing. The line is capable of
being drawn from the housing at a variety angles suitable to the
wearer of the lumbar support, as shown in FIG. 2 and enabling
tensioning of the tension element.
It will be noted that it is not necessary to provide two tensioning
mechanisms, but that a single tensioning mechanism and tension
element may be employed for the lumbar support. For example, the
closure device may have only a single tension element as extending
from the closure device for the lumbar support, and in turn a
single tensioning mechanism is provided in combination with the
tension element. On the other hand, the closure device may include
two tension elements extending from one side of the closure device
and corresponding to the first member, and a single tension element
extends from the closure device on the side of the second member.
Each tension element may be provided with one tensioning mechanism,
or only the second member may be provided with a tensioning
mechanism.
The tensioning mechanism 22, 24 preferably includes a handle 30, 32
secured to a first end of the line 26, 28. The handle 30, 32 is
arranged to prevent the first end of the line from being retracted
into the housing 76. The handle may selectively affix to the first
and second members, or may freely extend from the tensioning
mechanism when not used to tension the closure device.
The tensioning mechanism 22, 24 is preferably selectively mountable
over an outer surface of the first and second members at a
plurality of locations. For example, the handle may be locked
relative to the tensioning mechanism and detached from the first
member. The wearer pulls the handle thereby pulling the tension
element and adjusting the closure device. Once a desired or near
desired tension level is obtain, the wearer can mount the
tensioning mechanism to the first member. The tensioning mechanism
may have suitable hook and loop fastener elements that correspond
to the surface of the first member so as to firmly affix the
tensioning mechanism thereto. Of course, alternative fastening
means may be employed to selectively affix the tensioning mechanism
to the first member at a plurality of locations.
Alternatively, the tensioning mechanism may be permanently mounted
on the first member, with an optimal location selected that permits
easy access to the tensioning mechanism for adjustment of the
lumbar support. In this instance, the adjustment is obtained solely
from actuation of the tensioning mechanism which in turn adjusts
the tension elements.
As depicted in the exemplary view of FIG. 2, the handle 32 may be
mountable over the member 14 and the line 28 may have a specified,
minimum length extending outwardly from the tensioning mechanism
24. As the handle 32 and line 28 are pulled outwardly relative to
the tensioning mechanism 24, a portion of the tension element 18 is
wound or retained within the tensioning mechanism 24. The handle
can be appropriately sized to allow for a variety of hand sizes as
well as levels of strength, as well as it can be made to be
flexible or rigid. The handle in combination with the tensioning
mechanism avoids the need for small devices that may have small
dials or disks that are difficult to grasp and require some
coordination and strength. This construction affords a system that
allows for a variety of users to adjust tension settings by
providing a simple and easy manner to do so.
After pulling the line 28 a certain distance up to its maximum
length permitted by the line and subsequently releasing the handle
32, the tensioning mechanism 24 retracts the line 28 a specified
distance into the closure device 24 so that the length of the line
28 extending outwardly from the housing returns to a minimum length
while maintaining the portion of the tension element 18 wound in
place in the tensioning mechanism 24.
If it is desired to additionally tension the tension element 18,
the wearer may repeat the operation by pulling and retracting the
line 28 repeatedly to incrementally tension and achieve the
appropriate tension in the tension element 18, and thus the lumbar
support over the torso of the wearer.
The tensioning mechanism 24 may include a dosage meter 34 having an
indication feature, such as a scale 38 with indicia 40 that shows
the tension in the tension element. An example of this could be
achieved by providing a spring with a known force through the
distance travelled to show on the scale the tension in the tension
element. A release button 36 may be used to selectively and relieve
the tension in the tension element maintained by the tensioning
mechanism.
While a portion of the line is shown as extending away from the
housing, it will be noted that the line may be fully retracted into
the tensioning mechanism, such that there is no exposed length of
the line when it is retracted, whereas only the handle extends from
the tensioning mechanism. It follows that when tensioning the line,
the handle is withdrawn from the tensioning mechanism and a portion
of the line is exposed, but when the handle is released, the
exposed length of the line is fully retracted into the tensioning
mechanism.
This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that it provides a
ratcheting system that can take advantage of a mechanical advantage
in pulling the tension elements and tightening the same. Indeed,
while the closure device itself has a mechanical advantage, the
overall mechanical advantage of the tightening system may be
further increased by the tensioning mechanism which itself may
possess its own mechanical advantage.
The tightening system as a whole is advantageous in that it allows
for a variety of wearer sizes since the line retracts; the tension
element can be set to a specific length, and can accommodate
different wearer sizes. For example, the minimum length of the line
can be selected so that it could be used both on individuals with
small girth or those with large girth; the length would be the
same. Also, by reducing the minimum length of the tension element,
there is less risk of exposure of the tension element and hence it
catching on any objects.
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment 42 of the tightening system
in a lumbar support. According to this embodiment, a rotary
tightening device 50, 52 is provided in combination with the
tensioning mechanism 46, 48. The rotary tightening device arranged
to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element 16, 18
to thereby draw the first and second members 12, 14 closer to one
another by reducing the distance 72 between the first and second
members in a finer manner than with the tensioning mechanism 46,
48. The rotary tightening device may be selectively engaged or
disengaged with the tensioning mechanism by a bypass switch 64,
66.
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment 54 of the tightening system
in a lumbar support. In this embodiment, a rotary tightening device
50, 52 is provided in combination with the tension element 16, 18
so as to incrementally tension the tension element 16, 18. A bypass
switch 64, 66 is provided to permit engagement of the tension
element with the handle carrying the line 26, 28 that allows for
coarser adjustment of the closure device 20 relative to the
adjustment provided by the rotary tightening device 50, 52. In this
embodiment, there is no retractable device, and therefore the
handle can be pulled away from a base unit 56, 58 that carry the
rotary tightening device 50, 52 and can be engaged with the rotary
tightening device 50, 52 by the bypass switch 64, 66.
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment 74 of a tightening system in
a lumbar support. According to this embodiment, a base unit 60, 62
is adjustably mounted on the member 12, 14, and carries a rotary
tightening device 50, 52. There is preferably no tensioning
mechanism or line extending therefrom. Tightening of the tension
element is either obtained by pulling the base unit 60, 62 when
detached from the member 12, 14 away from the closure device,
affixing the base unit 56, 58 to the outer surface 44 of the member
12, 14, and then if desired, finely adjusting the rotary tightening
device 50, 52 to further tension the tension element.
The rotary tightening device may be arranged for only one-way
incremental adjustment in a first rotational direction and release
to permit free movement in a second rotational direction, or
two-way incremental adjustment in first and second directions. The
rotary tightening device may include a rotary tensioning device
described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/466,597, or a commercial
example as produced by Boa Technology, Inc. of Steamboat Springs,
Colo., under exemplary product names including HIGH POWER REEL,
Series 30, MID POWER REEL M1, and LOW POWER REEL L3.
In each of the embodiments described herein, the tightening
mechanism is either formed to be flexible or semi-rigid to
accommodate being worn on the body of the wearer through the
article upon which it is placed. Alternatively or in addition, the
tightening mechanism may be sized appropriately small so that its
size and any rigidity can likewise accommodate the wearer.
In observing FIGS. 7-10, an embodiment of the tensioning mechanism
22 has a retractable device including a rotatable first spool 82
biased by a spring 84, such as a helical coil spring, upon which
the line 26 is wound, and a first gear 86 associated with the spool
and rotatable with the spool about a pin 80 located along a common
axis. According to this embodiment, the spool 82 defines a
plurality of flexible prongs 83 that engage a plurality of inner
teeth 87 formed on an inner ring of the gear 86. The prongs 83
permit movement of the spool 82 in a first rotating direction
relative to the gear 86 so as to rotate freely relative to the gear
86, and lock with the inner teeth 87 in a second rotating direction
so as to rotate with the gear 86 in such direction.
A second rotatable spool 90 is provided upon which the tension
element 16 is wound, and which is associated with a gear 92 which
is rotatable with the spool 90 about a common axis 88. The first
and second gears 86, 92 mesh with one another and are rotatable in
opposing directions as the line 30 is withdrawn from the housing
76.
The housing defines slots 77, 89 that permit ingress and egress of
the line and the tension element. A release mechanism 78 is shown
as pull-out switch having flanges which can be pressed together and
pulled outwardly from the housing 76 to allow for disengagement of
the first gear 86 from the second gear 92. A shaft 79 of the
release mechanism 78 is connected to the pin 80 which is secured to
the first gear 86 and spool 82, and the shaft 79 can be pulled
through opening 85 defined by the housing 76.
As schematically shown in FIG. 8, the first and second gears 86, 92
engage with one another as the line 26 is pulled at the handle 30
from the housing. In doing so, the line 26 is unwound from the
first spool 82, and the tension element 16 is wound about the
second spool 90.
Turning to FIG. 9 once the wearer either decides that additional
tensioning is required or has reached a desire level, the handle 30
is released which then retracts to the housing 76 under the
influence of the spring 84. In doing so, the line 26 is wound about
the first spool 82, yet neither the first gear 86 nor the second
gear 92 rotate, thereby locking the tension element 16 when the
handle 30 was released.
As shown in FIG. 10, when it is desired to release tension in the
tension element 16, the wearer may pull the switch 78 outwardly
from the housing 76 so as to disengage the first gear 86 from the
second gear 92, and thereby allow the tension element 16 to relieve
its tension that was obtained by pulling the line 26 in the step of
FIG. 8.
In a variation of the tightening system, FIG. 11 generally shows
the tensioning mechanism 46 corresponding to the embodiment of FIG.
4, wherein a rotary tightening device 50 may be associated with the
second gear 92 so as to provide incremental fine adjustment of the
tension element 16 which can be achieved by turning the rotary
tightening device 50. In adjusting the tension element 16 by the
rotary tightening device 46, the first spool 82 can be disengaged
from the first gear 86 so the first and second gears 86, 92 can
rotate freely without engagement of the first spool 82. Appropriate
means, such as the switch 64, may be employed to disengage the
first spool 82 from the first gear 86 such as by providing a button
which causes the first spool 82 to disengage from the first gear
86.
In another variation of a tightening system, FIG. 12 generally
shows the tensioning mechanism corresponding to the embodiment of
FIG. 5, wherein a rotary tensioning mechanism 50 is used to finely
adjust the tension element 16, and the line 26 can be pulled from
the housing 76 to likewise tension the tension element 16.
FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a tensioning mechanism
131. In this embodiment, the tensioning mechanism 131 has a housing
134 mounted on a base unit 136. An upper bobbin 138 is spring
biased by a coil spring 142, and is used to retractably wind the
line 128 connected to the handle 132. The tension element 118 winds
about a lower bobbin 146 that engages a one-way rocker arm 144 and
a one-way ratchet 148 located about a shaft 150. A release button
140 may be provided to release the upper bobbing 138 from the lower
bobbin 146.
The tensioning mechanism 131 operates in the same manner as
described in connection to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, in that
pulling the line 128 from the tensioning mechanism 131
incrementally draws the tension element 118 into the tensioning
mechanism 131 by winding it about the lower bobbin 146.
FIG. 14 shows another embodiment wherein the tensioning mechanism
160 is a double acting retractable ratchet. According to this
embodiment, the tensioning mechanism 160 winds two tension elements
118, 162 by a single pull of the line 128. In the example of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the double acting tensioning mechanism 160
may replace the first and second tensioning mechanisms 22, 24 so
that a single tensioning mechanism regulates the tension in both
the tension elements 16, 18. This tensioning mechanism, for
example, may be centrally located on an article so as to single
handedly regulate two tension elements.
FIG. 15 depicts another embodiment wherein the tensioning mechanism
170 is a double acting retractable ratchet having additional
mechanical advantage and leverage. Specifically, the embodiment
includes first and second tension elements 172, 174 that are wound
about a reduction gear set 176. This embodiment may serve a similar
purpose to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 14.
While the foregoing embodiments have been described and shown, it
is understood that alternatives and modifications of these
embodiments, such as those suggested by others, may be made to fall
within the scope of the invention. Moreover, any of the principles
described herein may be extended to any other orthopedic devices or
other types of articles devices requiring similar functions of
those structural elements described herein.
* * * * *